Save The Snakes... Ban Rattlesnake Round-Ups Please Help.

  • by: James Howie. Activist...
  • recipient: U.S Fish and Wildlife Dept, DEFRA UK, UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) 
Snakes are in serious jeopardy. Hundreds of species are in need of conservation if they are to survive. Currently, over 450 snake species are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. In 2010 a global study of snake populations from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in England found that snake species were declining around the globe. 

Snakes are also subjected to many acts of abuse and exploitation. However, despite the many assaults that snakes face these animals have very few advocates or allies aiding in their recovery. This makes the actions of caring individuals extremely important.  

Rattlesnake roundups take place from January through July in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Georgia. Roundups started as a misguided attempt to rid areas of rattlesnakes, but they have evolved into commercial events that promote animal cruelty and environmentally damaging behavior. Thousands of rattlesnakes are captured and slaughtered, or mistreated in competitive events that violate the basic principles of wildlife management and humane treatment of animals. Most rattlesnakes in roundups are driven out of their dens with gasoline, then stored without water or food in unhygienic conditions, and crammed tightly into containers for transport to and display at roundup events. Many snakes arrive at these events starved, dehydrated, or crushed to death. Those who survive may be used in public demonstrations and daredevil acts. The rattlesnakes are eventually decapitated, a cruel and inefficient method of slaughter for reptiles. 
 
Snakes have proved that they are one of time's most successful and resilient survivors. They have been on the earth for well over 100 million years and have managed to persevere throughout the ages, while countless other species have disappeared around them.

Today however, snakes are very much in peril. Hundreds of snake species are now in need of conservation if they are to survive. Currently, over 450 snake species are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Every year literally millions of snakes are harvested directly from the wild so they can be used, abused, and exploited for fiscal accumulation. Snakes are captured for the pet trade, for their skins, and for food.

Snakes are also captured and then ruthlessly killed so that they can be dried and mounted. These deceased snakes are then sold as decorative ornaments.

Numerous other snakes are relentlessly killed so parts of their bodies can be utilized and then sold off. Rattlesnake heads and rattles are used to make keychains. Rattlesnakes are also killed and made into paper weights, belt buckles and numerous other trinkets. The fangs from snakes are sometimes used to make earrings. The list of products that contain parts of snakes is seemingly endless. It is a stark reminder of the immense desecration and malice that these animals continually receive.  I ask you to please Sign, Share, Post on Facebook put it on Twitter and help get the word out in any way that you can, Snakes need more people on their side the people they need are you and me. So take a stand. I thank you all, with respect always James Howie.  
DEFRA E-Mail defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk  
U.S Fish and Wildlife contact info http://www.fws.gov/duspit/contactus.htm 
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